1. Additional Central forces rushed to Manipur; abducted women, children remain untraced
2. India’s Armed Forces Unite in High-Intensity Exercise ‘Poorvi Prahar’ in Arunachal Pradesh
3. Indian, Chinese defense ministers likely to meet next week in Laos
4. India agrees to liberalise air treaties with Vietnam and Uzbekistan
5. India to refit Maldivian Coast Guard ship in strategic partnership move

What Else

1. India, Saudi Arabia share robust, solid partnership: Saudi Foreign Minister
2. Demanding security, Tamil Nadu government doctors begin indefinite strike
3. Oli playing the “China card” by going to Beijing, Nepal should balance ties: Prachanda
4. How China’s censorship machine worked to block news of deadly attack
5. Biden to meet Xi Jinping at APEC Summit in Peru for third in-person talks: White House
6. With Trump’s win, Bangladesh gets more investment queries from China
7. Yunus government gives in to students, removes Mujib photo

—————-

Additional Central forces rushed to Manipur; abducted women, children remain untraced

• The situation in Manipur remains tense after the abduction of three women and three children from Jiribam district by armed miscreants.
• Despite combing operations by police and security forces, the abducted individuals are yet to be rescued or traced.
• To address the rising tensions, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has deployed 20 additional companies Central Police, comprising around 2,000 personnel, in Manipur.
• This brings the total number of CAPF personnel in the state to approximately 22,000.
• Curfew Imposed: Curfew has been imposed in several areas, with policemen patrolling vulnerable points ².
• Truck Torched: A goods-laden truck was torched on NH 37 in Tamenglong district, prompting the Rongmei Naga Students’ Organisation to announce a “total boycott” of supplies to the Kuki-Zo people.
• Militant Encounter: Ten armed militants were killed in a gunfight with security forces in Jiribam district.
• Additional Deployment: To maintain law and order, 15 companies of CRPF from Assam and 5 companies of BSF from Tripura have been redeployed to Manipur. (more)

India’s Armed Forces Unite in High-Intensity Exercise ‘Poorvi Prahar’ in Arunachal Pradesh

• The Indian Army is conducting a high-intensity tri-services exercise called Ex Poorvi Prahar from Nov 10-18, 2024, in Arunachal Pradesh.
• This large-scale joint exercise aims to enhance combat effectiveness in executing Integrated Joint Operations in challenging mountainous terrain, improving inter-service coordination and operational readiness.
• Advanced Military Platforms: Participation of fighter aircraft, reconnaissance platforms, Chinook helicopters, and M777 Ultra-Light Howitzers
• Technological Innovation: Swarm Drones, FPV Drones, Loitering Munitions, and AI-driven analytics for enhanced situational awareness and precision strikes
• Inter-Service Collaboration: Establishment of a Common Operating Picture (COP) for real-time information sharing and coordination
• Eastern Frontier Security: Demonstrates India’s commitment to maintaining a robust defense posture along its eastern border
• Ex Poorvi Prahar showcases India’s military might, dedication to safeguarding territorial integrity, and preparedness for future challenges. (more)

Indian, Chinese defense ministers likely to meet next week in Laos

• Indian and Chinese Defence Ministers Rajnath Singh and Dong Jun are set to meet next week in Laos on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defence Minister’s Plus meeting.
• This meeting was requested by the Chinese side and is expected to be the first ministerial meeting between India and China since the Kazan meeting between President Xi and PM Modi.
• The ADMM+ meeting brings together DMs from ASEAN countries and 8 other nations, including Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, S Korea, Russia, and the US
• Previous Meetings: Apr 2023: Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met with then-Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu in India for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Minister meeting.
• 2020: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met with then-Chinese DM Gen Wei Fenghe in Moscow, Russia, after the Galwan incident.
• Key Outcomes: The Special Representatives on the boundary question, Indian NSA Ajit Doval and China’s Wang Yi, will meet at an early date.
• FMs of India and China are expected to meet later.
• The Kazan thaw led to a patrolling agreement and disengagement in Depsang and Demchok at the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
• This meeting could have positive implications for India-China trading ties, especially ahead of Beijing’s presidency of the SCO summit next year. (more)

India agrees to liberalise air treaties with Vietnam and Uzbekistan

• India has agreed to liberalize its air treaty with Vietnam and Uzbekistan, allowing carriers from both countries to launch more flights. This move is a rare instance of India increasing seats, as the government has been cautious about expanding bilateral rights to protect Indian airlines ¹.
• Key Changes: Vietnam: Flight quota increases from 28 to 42 flights per week
• Uzbekistan: Flight quota increases from 14 to 28 flights per week
• This development is expected to boost tourism and connectivity between India and these countries.
• Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet will now be able to launch flights to Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi from Hyderabad and Bengaluru, which were previously unavailable due to capacity exhaustion.
• Traffic to Southeast Asian countries like Thailand and Vietnam has already seen exponential growth following eased visa regulations for India. (more)

India to refit Maldivian Coast Guard ship in strategic partnership move

• India is set to refit the Maldivian Coast Guard ship, CGS Huravee, at Mumbai’s Naval Dockyard, reinforcing defense and diplomatic ties between the two nations.
• This strategic partnership move is part of India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and Vision SAGAR, aiming to strengthen regional security and development through cooperation.
• Refit Details: Routine maintenance and upgrades to extend the ship’s operational life and enhance capabilities.
• Cost and Financing: Estimated at over $4 million, financed by the Government of India.
• Significance: Boosts Maldivian Coast Guard’s operational capabilities, enhancing maritime security infrastructure.
• Broader Cooperation: Part of India’s commitment to supporting maritime neighbors and capacity building in the Maldives.
• This collaboration underscores the deep-rooted friendship and multi-dimensional defense cooperation between India and the Maldives, with India emerging as a key partner in the region. (more)

India, Saudi Arabia share robust, solid partnership: Saudi Foreign Minister

• India and Saudi Arabia have reaffirmed their robust and solid partnership, thanks to a bilateral meeting between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud in New Delhi ¹. The two leaders co-chaired the second meeting of the Political, Security, Social and Cultural Committee of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council (SPC), discussing ways to enhance their multi-faceted bilateral ties.
• Areas of Cooperation:
• Defence Partnership: Strengthening security cooperation
• Trade & Investment: Boosting economic ties
• Culture & Tourism: Promoting people-to-people connections
• Regional & International Issues: Aligning positions on shared concerns
• Their meeting follows the inaugural meeting of the Saudi-India Strategic Partnership Council, co-chaired by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and PM Narendra Modi, which set the stage for a new era of cooperation across various fields (more)

Demanding security, Tamil Nadu government doctors begin indefinite strike

• The Tamil Nadu Govt Doctors’ Association has called for a statewide indefinite strike after a senior oncologist was attacked at a govt hospital in Chennai.
• The strike, which began on Wed afternoon, is supported by nearly 45,000 doctors from 8,000 private hospitals across the state.
• Non-emergency services, outpatient services, and elective surgeries have been halted until further notice.
• Key Demands: Two-tier security at hospitals
• Declaration of hospital premises as safe zones
• Creation of a hospital protection force
• Restrictions on visitors with a pass system
• Health Minister Ma. Subramanian has agreed to strengthen security, open police outposts, and install CCTV cameras at Primary Health Centres.
• The doctors’ associations will decide on their next course of action at an executive committee meeting on Sun. (more)

[Neighborhood]

Oli playing the “China card” by going to Beijing, Nepal should balance ties: Prachanda

• Former Nepali PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal, also known as Prachanda, expressed concerns about the strain on India-Nepal ties due to the new government’s policies.
• He believes his 18-month tenure, which ended in Jul, had taken India-Nepal relations to “new heights”.
• However, current PM K.P. Sharma Oli’s decision to visit China without first visiting India has raised concerns.
• Overflight Routes: India denied Nepal’s request for additional routes to Pokhara and Bhairahawa airports.
• Hydropower: India refused to buy hydropower or goods with Chinese components.
• Border Disputes: Susta-Kalapani-Limpiyudhara issues may be rekindled.
• Prachanda urges balancing relationships with neighboring countries and acknowledges Nepal’s unique ties with India.
• He also hopes to revive the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), which has been inactive since 2014 due to India-Pakistan tensions. (more)

How China’s censorship machine worked to block news of deadly attack

• A car plowed into pedestrians in Zhuhai, China, killing 35 and injuring dozens. However, Chinese officials delayed reporting the death toll for 24 hours, sparking concerns over censorship.
• Incident: Car rammed into pedestrians near a sports center on November 11, 2024
• Censorship: Social media footage and photos were swiftly deleted
• 24-hour Delay: Officials revealed 35 deaths almost a day after the incident
• State Narrative: State media downplayed the incident, prioritizing airshow coverage
• China’s history of information control has led to:
• Delayed responses to crises (e.g., contaminated milk, earthquake, COVID-19)
• Restricted media access
• Censorship of sensitive topics
• The incident highlights China’s tight control over information and media. (more)

Biden to meet Xi Jinping at APEC Summit in Peru for third in-person talks: White House

• President Joe Biden is set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in Lima, Peru, marking their 3^rd in-person meeting since Biden took office.
• This meeting is particularly significant as it’s expected to be their final meeting as presidents.
• Managing US-China Competition: Biden aims to responsibly manage the competition between the two nations, prioritizing American strength, alliance-building, and national security.
• Economic Cooperation: Discussions will focus on trade, investment, and cooperation in areas like semiconductors and artificial intelligence.
• Global Challenges: The leaders will address pressing issues, including climate change, the fentanyl crisis, and regional security concerns.
• Transition Planning: Ensuring a smooth transition and maintaining open communication channels will be essential.
• Biden’s strategy emphasizes investments in American strength, boosting deterrence, and protecting sensitive technologies ¹. The meeting presents an opportunity for the leaders to take stock of progress, address differences, and promote cooperation in areas of shared interest. (more)

With Trump’s win, Bangladesh gets more investment queries from China

• Chinese entrepreneurs are increasingly interested in relocating factories, forming joint ventures, and making fresh investments in Bangladesh, driven by concerns over potential US tariff hikes under the new Trump administration.
• This move could help Bangladesh capitalize on the shifting global supply chain, especially in the leather and garment sectors.
• Key Factors Driving Chinese Interest: Bangladeshi exporters face a 15.62% duty on US exports, significantly lower than China’s 25% tariff.
• Duty-Free Exports to China: Bangladesh enjoys duty-free exports to China, making Chinese manufacturers in Bangladesh competitive.
• Environmental and Sustainability Certifications: Bangladesh’s high number of US Green Building Council certifications attracts Chinese investors.
• EU’s Due Diligence Directive: Chinese investors seek to avoid stringent conditions of the EU directive, applicable to Bangladesh in 2026.
• Past Investment Trends: $1.03 billion Chinese investment in FY18 and $626 million in FY19.
• Investment fell to $91 million in FY20 due to the pandemic.
• Recovery signs with $408 million in FY21, but declined to $187 million in FY22 and $260 million in FY23.
• Future Prospects: Chinese investors are closely monitoring Bangladesh’s business climate.
• Political stability is crucial for investment inflow.
• A clear picture of Chinese investment will emerge in the next 5-6 months.
• Overall, Bangladesh has the potential to benefit from China’s supply chain shift, but it’s essential to address investment climate concerns and maintain political stability to attract and retain Chinese investors.(more)

Yunus government gives in to students, removes Mujib photo

• Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s legacy is facing a significant challenge in Bangladesh.
• His portrait was recently removed from the President’s office, sparking widespread controversy.
• This move is seen as a symbol of the shifting political landscape in Bangladesh, where Mujibur Rahman’s nationalist ideology and socio-political theories, known as Mujibism, have been a defining force.
• The portrait removal is linked to the student uprising that led to the resignation of PM Sheikh Hasina, Mujibur Rahman’s daughter, in August.
• The protests were fueled by demands for changes to the government jobs’ quota system, which favored families of veterans of the 1971 war.
• As the situation unfolded, demonstrators targeted symbols of Mujibur Rahman’s legacy, including statues, public murals, and his residence-turned-museum.
• Vandalism: Statues, public murals, and Mujibur Rahman’s residence-turned-museum were targeted by demonstrators.
• Legacy Under Threat: Mujibur Rahman’s ideology, Mujibism, faces challenges amidst the shifting political landscape ².
• These advances highlight complex and sensitive nature of Bangladesh’s politics, where historical figures and ideologies continue to shape the country’s trajectory. (more)